Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms may differ somewhat in adults and children. In addition, severity and duration of symptoms vary from mild to severe.

Common asthma symptoms include:

Cough

Tightness in the chest

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Difficulty during feeding in infants

Trouble sleeping

Limited exercise tolerance or avoiding exercise or sports

Warning Signs of an Impending Asthma Attack

There are warning signs that signal an impending asthma attack. By learning to recognize these early symptoms as warning signs, you can help prevent attacks or reduce their severity.

In Adults:

Increased shortness of breath and wheezing

Chest tightness or pain

Sweating

An increased need to use bronchodilators

In Children:

A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

Frequent coughing or cough spasms

Waking up coughing in the night

Shortness of breath while stationery or exercising

Feelings of tightness in the chest

Restless sleep patterns

Trouble feeding

What Happens During an Asthma Attack?

Exposure to asthma triggers can cause airways to contract and become inflamed, narrowed, and clogged with mucus. Less room is available for air to flow in and out of the lungs. The duration of the asthma attack varies. Attacks range from mild to severe and last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. During attacks, bronchial muscles go into spasm, causing air to be trapped in tiny air breathing sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. Asthma attacks may be fatal if not identified and treated.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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